James 2:1-13
Partiality
“Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free, but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3:11)
2:1 “my brothers”
What is “partiality”?
God’s perspective:
- (OT) Deut. 10:17 — “. . . the awesome God who is not partial . . .”
- (NT) Rom. 2:11 — “For God shows no partiality”
2:2-7 Identification of the problem.
v. 2 “fine clothing”
v. 3 “you pay ___________________ to”
“man looks on the _____________________________________________, but the LORD looks on the ____________________________.”
v. 5 those who are poor are “rich in ________________________ and ______________________ of the kingdom.”
v. 6 “you have __________________________ the poor man”
v. 2 “fine clothing”
v. 3 “you pay ___________________ to”
“man looks on the _____________________________________________, but the LORD looks on the ____________________________.”
v. 5 those who are poor are “rich in ________________________ and ______________________ of the kingdom.”
v. 6 “you have __________________________ the poor man”
Results of favoritism toward the rich:
- We would dishonor what God has _______________________. v. 5
- We would support our ____________________________. v. 6
- John Calvin — “Why honor your executioners?”
- We would condone their __________________________. v. 7
2:8-13 Resolution of the problem.
v. 8 Scriptural solution. “You shall love your _________________ as yourself.”
vs. 9-11 Shortcomings of law-keeping.
vs. 12, 13 “What is “mercy?”
“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”